A novel variant of RyR2 gene in a family misdiagnosed as congenital long QT syndrome: The importance of genetic testing.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) are two distinct entities with similar clinical presentation and management but different clinical course. In this study, we present two family members presented with aborted sudden cardiac death (SCD) that was attributed to CPVT. The CPVT may be underrecognized in SCD victims and a diagnosis of "atypical LQTS" may warrant consideration of CPVT and analysis of RyR2 if the standard cardiac channel gene screen for LQTS is negative.

Safety, long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrence following a single catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.

Data regarding long-term outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation are limited. This study evaluated the safety, long-term efficacy and predictors of recurrence after a single left atrial ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal (PAF) and non-paroxysmal AF (NPAF). Data from 520 patients (354 males, mean age 57.

Low-voltage areas detected by high-density electroanatomical mapping predict recurrence after ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the extent of atrial fibrosis in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and the correlation with ablation outcomes after pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVΑI) using a mapping system with high-resolution and high-spatial sampling.

Methods And Results: We prospectively enrolled 80 consecutive patients (45 males, median age 60.26 years) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who were scheduled for PVAI.

Adenosine-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

Background: The prognostic significance of adenosine-mediated dormant pulmonary vein conduction, and whether such dormant conduction should be eliminated, remains controversial. We sought to perform a meta-analysis of data from eligible studies to delineate the prognostic impact of adenosine-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using online databases in order to identify relevant studies from January 2004 to September 2016.

Adenosine-Guided Pulmonary Vein Antral Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Study.

Objectives: The prognostic significance of adenosine-mediated pulmonary vein (PV) dormant conduction and whether such conduction should be eliminated still remain controversial. This randomized study aimed to investigate whether adenosine-guided ablation of the reconnection gaps improves the long-term outcomes of pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to undergo (n = 80, group 1) or not (n = 81, group 2) adenosine testing following PVAI.

Immunosenescence in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.

Aim: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by hemodynamic compromise, neurohormonal and immune activation. We sought to examine the presence and severity of immunosenescence and its relation with the stages of CHF.

Methods: We enrolled 86 consecutive stable systolic CHF patients and examined the relationship of leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation counts by flow cytometry with their functional status according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class.

Low dose dabigatran versus uninterrupted acenocoumarol for peri-procedural anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Background: Left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a transiently increased risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. We tested the hypothesis that the low dose dabigatran [110mg twice a day (bid)] can be safely used as an alternative to uninterrupted acenocoumarol for periprocedural anticoagulation in left atrial ablation procedures.

Methods And Results: A total of 149 consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary vein antral isolation for AF were included; 64 patients were on low dose dabigatran (110mg bid) and 85 patients were on acenocoumarol with therapeutic international normalized ratios.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the elderly.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for AF, but has not been widely adopted in the elderly population. The present study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of AF catheter ablation in the elderly population.

Methods And Results: The study population consisted of 316 patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent left atrial ablation.

Differences in quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and common forms of atrioventricular reentry supraventricular tachycardias.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in quality of life and psychosocial stress parameters among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and common forms of atrioventricular reentry supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs).

Methods And Results: The total study population included 106 patients, 54 patients with paroxysmal AF (32 males, age 56.64±12.

Association of quality of life, anxiety, and depression with left atrial ablation outcomes.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with significant impairment of quality of life (QoL). Anxiety and depression are common in AF patients and might predispose to AF. We sought to investigate associations of preablative QoL and stress parameters with AF ablation outcomes, as well as possible changes in QoL, anxiety, and depression parameters after ablation.

The impact of catheter ablation in the interpulmonary isthmus on atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes: a randomized study.

Introduction: Previous studies have underscored the importance of the interpulmonary isthmus in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The efficacy of additional radiofrequency energy delivery in the interpulmonary isthmus following pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) was investigated.

Methods And Results: A total of 76 patients (49 males, mean age 56.

The impact of vagotonic, adrenergic, and random type of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on left atrial ablation outcomes.

Background: Accumulating data have shown that the autonomic nervous system is strongly implicated in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single ablation procedure in patients with vagotonic, adrenergic and random type of paroxysmal AF.

Methods And Results: The clinical records of consecutive patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory paroxysmal AF who underwent pulmonary vein antral isolation were analysed.

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores as predictors of left atrial ablation outcomes for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Aims: The selection of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that will benefit most by left atrial ablation remains suboptimal. CHADS2 score has been shown to be associated with post-ablation AF recurrences. However, data regarding the CHA2DS2-VASc score are lacking.

Sinus node disease in subjects with type 1 ECG pattern of Brugada syndrome.

Background: The spectrum of phenotypes related to mutations of the SCN5A gene include Brugada syndrome (BS), long QT syndrome, progressive cardiac conduction defect, and sinus node disease (SND). The present study investigated the incidence of SND in subjects with type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern of BS.

Methods And Results: The study population consisted of 68 individuals (55 males, mean age 44.

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Overweight and Obese Patients.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, and is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Atrial fibrillation(AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia in the clinical practice, is associated with an increased longterm risk of stroke, heart failure, and all-cause mortality. Accumulating data points out to an indispensable role of inflammation in both obesity and AF.

Similar levels of low-grade inflammation and arterial stiffness in masked and white-coat hypertension: comparisons with sustained hypertension and normotension.

Objective: The clinical significance of masked hypertension (MHT) and white-coat hypertension (WCHT) remains controversial, whereas subclinical inflammation and arterial stiffness are associated with an adverse prognosis. We examined the interrelationships of MHT, WCHT, and sustained hypertension (SHT) with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and arterial stiffness.

Methods: Our population consisted of 291 untreated nondiabetic patients with MHT [office blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg; n = 32], WCHT (office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP < 135/85 mmHg; n = 81), SHT (office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg; n = 178), and 44 age-matched and sex-matched control normotensives.

New-onset diabetes and cardiovascular events in essential hypertensives: a 6-year follow-up study.

Background: Controversy still exists regarding the impact of new-onset diabetes (NOD) on CV outcomes among patients with hypertension. Our aim was to determine the incidence of NOD in essential hypertensives and to evaluate its association with major cardiovascular (CV) events.

Methods: We followed-up for a mean period of 6 years 1572 essential hypertensives (mean age 54.